IDB Budgets NT$8.259 B. to Develop Intelligent Automation Industry

Taipei, Aug. 25, 2011 (CENS)--The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has submitted a program to the Executive Yuan (the Cabinet) concerning the development of intelligent automation industry in the next five years, with the IDB to invest over NT$8.259 billion to develop CNC (computerized numerically controlled) devices, robots and intelligent automation application demonstration systems.

The IDB said it will join forces with the MOEA's Department of Industrial Technology and the Cabinet-level National Science Council to help related firms develop the intelligent automation industry in a three-pronged ways, including research and development, industrial development assistance and international cooperation.

One of the program's goals is to develop localized CNC (computerized numerically controlled) devices and entice domestic machine-tool firms to procure these products from domestic manufacturers, rather than those of Japan and Germany.

At present, only a few of domestic manufacturers can develop CNC devices to fit the need of domestic machine-tool firms. The well-renowned manufacturers of CNC devices are Delta Electronics Corp., LNC Technology Corp. and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., and Syntec Inc.

IDB noted it will encourage domestic institutions, machine-tool firms to cooperate with relevant manufacturers of CNC devices to apply for product-development subsidies.

The IDB-initiated program will also help develop industrial, service and entertainment robots. The development of industrial robots will offset the impact of the shortfall in work force. The development of service and entertainment robots will be extended to cover such areas as tourist traveling, health care and security.

At present, the major developers of industrial robots are Hiwin Technoologies Corp., Mirle Automation Corp and Kenmec Mechanical Engineering Co. The firms that have been taping the development of service and entertainment robots are Asustek Computer Inc., Micro-star International Co. and Compal Communication Inc.

The overall production value of domestic machinery industry amounted to NT$865 billion last year and is expected to challenge NT$900 billion this year.

With the IDB-initiated development program, the overall production value of domestic machinery industry will reach NT$1.23 trillion, which will trigger new investments of NT$150 billion at least.